Road to Mastery: A LitRPG Apocalypse

Chapter 359: Plowing Through

Most people stayed in the mirror for hours. Some took entire days. The reason for that was their unfamiliarity with sudden death, as well as their lack of willpower that prevented them from seeing the truth.

Almost everyone on the Cathedral had risen through corpses, but not everyone realized it. When someone found success, it was easy to attribute it entirely to oneself, not taking into account their invisible advantages or all the things that could have gone wrong. It was difficult to acknowledge the great part of luck in any geniuss rise.

However, to pursue the Dao was to pursue perfection. Such a blind spot would inevitably affect a cultivator. Therefore, the higher-ups of the Church created the Fallen Genius Mirror to absolve the C-Grades disciples of their delusions, preventing future problems.

Inside the mirror, images of long-dead geniuses would keep repeatingor being fabricateduntil the user realized the point. The mirror would then release the cultivator. Generally speaking, the more talented a cultivator was, the stronger their delusions would be, and so the longer they would stay in the mirror.

But Jack had only been in the room for twenty minutes. It was ridiculous. The octopus Envoy even suspected he was lying and hadnt actually used the mirrorbut the darkness in his eyes was hard to ignore.

Only twenty minutes she thought, shivering. Hes so extremely talented How can he be in touch with his mortality? How can he understand the woes of the weak? How can he embrace death and struggle so quickly?

Just what has he been through!?

Is there a problem? Jack asked, noticing her hesitation.

No, no problem at all, she quickly responded. You were just faster than I expected. Thank you for using the Fallen Genius MirrorI hope your gains were significant.

Jack gave her a cool smile. That smile contained sadness and determination, like hed seen through the world. You could say that.

Great! Is there anything else you would like to try in our Dao Chamber? If you have any questions, dont hesitate to ask!

Envoys were on a completely different level than C-Grades. They lived in different worlds. Normally, they would be cold and distant when facing an outer disciplebut this octopus Envoy was not an idiot. She knew that Jack was extraordinarily talented, and now she could also see that his maturity and experience was far above others of his cultivation level. He had already overcome the greatest weaknesses of geniuses. If there was no accident, she was ninety percent certain that Jack would reach the B-Grade, and maybe he wouldnt even stop at the early B-Grade.

If she didnt take this chance to befriend him before he rose, her ten thousand years of life experience would have been in vain.

Thank you, Envoy, but I think Im done for now, Jack replied calmly.

Alright. Take care. If you ever have questions about the Dao, feel free to look for memy name is Ashly Sherry.

I see. Thank you again.

With that, Jack walked out of the Dao Chamber, leaving behind the octopus Envoy and the three meditating cultivators. Luckily, their conversation had been made telepathically. If those cultivators heard an Envoy reaching out to an outer disciple like that, who knows what they would think.

Jack did reap great benefits from the Fallen Genius Mirror. His already steely determination had taken another step forward, and his understanding of the road of cultivation had broadened. He now understood the significance of reaching the C-Grade. Nothing had changed on the surface, but the underlying truths were much clearer.

Fallen Genius Mirror he thought, smirking as he walked. What a fitting name.

And now, what? I still have to visit the Globe, of course. I also want to meditate on the mirrors insights and stabilize my foundation in the Heavy Pagoda. I should also let Brock know Im here and go to the disciple office to pick up my monthly wage of Dao stonesand the wage of Marcus William, which he owes me.

Lets start small. Brock, then Dao stones. Then, well see.

His steps took him across the Cathedrals bleak terrain, into the familiar fourth village. The paths were empty. Given the recent excitement of his bros, it was easy to forget that most of the Cathedrals occupants preferred to cultivate in their cabins.

Jack finally reached his cabin, knocked on the door, and entered. Dorman was meditating on the special mat, fat as ever. His eyes opened as Jack appearedhe wasnt too deep in meditation.

Hey, he said. Youre back.

I am. Wheres Brock?

At his own cabin.

His what?

Dorman laughed. Brock became an outer disciple right after you left. I dont know how he did it, but he actually surpassed me There was a hint of bitterness in his voice, but no resentment.

Jacks eyes shone with excitement. Good! Excellent! Where is his cabin? I must congratulate him!

Its number 487, here in the same village.

Alright. Are you coming?

Ill cultivate a bit more. Im almost at the peak D-Grade now. And, Jack? He hesitated a moment. Thank you. For taking me in, getting rid of Cranxiao, and even letting me cultivate on your magical mat. I appreciate it. A lot.

Jack smiled brightly. Dont mention it. Enjoy that mat, because I might be taking over soon. See you!

Yeah. See you.

Admiring the rare smile on Dormans face, Jack closed the door and headed for cabin 487. It wasnt difficultall cabins had a number over their door, and they were arranged in a logical manner. He arrived quickly and knocked.

Yes? a simple voice came from the inside.

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Its Jack.

Big bro!

The door swung open, revealing a brorilla flying at Jack. He gave Jack a manly hug, then patted him on the shoulder and said, You back. How was home?

Jack couldnt help laughing. It was good, Brock. Everyones doing well. And I heard you became a disciple? Good job!

Mm. I beat a dirty bro.

Right A dirty bro, yes. I totally understand.

Dont stand at entrance. Come. We drink and talkI have wine.

Jack followed Brock inside, finding a cabin as spartan as his but with a massive jug sitting in a corner. The two of them sat cross-legged on the floor, chatting and drinkingthe wine had a strong fruity flavor, reminding Jack of the old times on Earth.

Jack described the situation on Earth, telling Brock all about his kids and the fun things theyd done together. He spoke about Edgars progress in building the academy, the professors exploits in bettering the planet, and how Brocks parents were doing great and missing himhe even said hed taken them on a stroll through space.

Brock was overjoyed. Parents are important bros, he admitted, then detailed his own experiences: how hed made a friendly bet against the frog-like Envoy, won the first two battles of the Globe, and ended up becoming an outer disciple. He had his own cabin now, along with a monthly wage of one Dao stone. The bros were all excited for him and looked forward to his future progressafter all, Brock was only at the peak D-Grade.

Your ranking is incredible, Jack admitted. Its no worse than mine before I discovered body tempering.

Brocks sharp gaze perceived Jacks thoughts. No fret. You experience more dangers than me; naturally, you have more opportunities. I catch up in the future.

Im looking forward to that.

One man and one brorilla chatted for many hours, finally emptying Brocks jug. Of course, wine could never affect someone like Jackhe could expel the buzz with a thought.

My little brother has grown up and is even treating me to wine now he thought, feeling sentimentality rise through him. Hes not so little anymore, is he? Why does it feel like yesterday that he climbed on my shoulder and threw poop at strangers? Back then, he couldnt even talk; he spoke in mime.

Once upon a time, Jack had more or less adopted baby Brock. Now, the two of them were equals, having crossed the universe together to enjoy wine at a landmass orbiting a black hole.

What you do now, big bro? Brock asked several hours later, when the joy of their reunion died down.

Ill stop by the registration office to pick up some Dao stones. Then, I think Ill visit the Globe to update my ranking, and finally go to the Heavy Pagoda to stabilize my foundation a bit. I didnt cultivate at all while on Earth.

Sure. Ill come with.

By the way, how close are you to breaking through?

My Big Thought is solid. I want some time to make sure all is okay, sofew weeks. Then, I only need stones.

Excellent. When the time comes, Ill help you find them. Even if I dont have enough on me, it will be easy to borrow from someone given my current status.

Good. I dont want delay your progressyou help me borrow, and I pay back.

Spoken like a true gentleman! Jack replied, laughing with a red face. Maybe it was the wine. Maybe it was happiness.

The two of them stayed a little longer, talking about various things. Finally, they rose to their feet and exited the cabin. Jack dispersed the buzz of alcohol, while Brock pointed his finger at the empty sky and unleashed a golden ray of Dao; suddenly, a large, golden B appeared overhead, accompanied by a loud bang that echoed across the Cathedral.

What the hell was that? Jack asked.

I summon bros. You doing the Ball is big thingthey want be present.

Jack laughed as he shook his head. They walked to the Ceaseless Murder Globe, meeting many bros on the way. Apparently, anyone not intensely cultivating had rushed to join.

Big bro! Youre back! Osmu Sosmu exclaimed, approaching Jack and clasping hands.

Im here, Osmu. Have you been well?

Of course! Ever since you killed Cranxiao, our days have been much more peaceful.

Jack nodded. At the same time, however, a light bulb went on inside his head. The Fallen Genius Mirror had taught him that no true genius could rise through a smooth pathcould Cranxiao have been purposefully placed there by the Black Hole Church to stir the low-rankers growth?

Huh.

It didnt change much. He would still kill Cranxiao if placed in the same position, but it was an interesting thought.

The entourage of bros kept growing. By the time Jack reached the Globe, over twenty people had appeared, all excitedly trying to predict Jacks new ranking. Most said a number between 280 and 270. Osmu Sosmu, ever the optimist, dared to say 260.

The higher the ranking, the larger the difference between each individual rank. Marcus William was ranked 281st, but anyone below the 250 or 200 mark could have easily defeated him. His battle against Jack had been close, so he couldnt be much stronger.

What these people didnt know, however, was that Jacks greatest strength lay in his resilience. He was much better suited for the Ceaseless Murder Globe than Marcus.

The same frog-like Envoy operated the Globe. He smiled and greeted Jack, congratulating him on Brocks success, then quickly opened the Globe for him. Jack had stopped by the registration office on the way here, picking up his wage of three stones along with Marcuss seven. In total, he had ten Dao stones, so paying one to activate the Globe was easy.

Good luck, big bro! all the bros outside cheered. Jack raised his fist and walked inside the Globe, letting the entrance fall shut behind him.

He was alone now, and ready to fight. His blood was pumping.

The first shadow appeared. Though its cultivation level was the same as Jacks, their actual strengths were worlds apartJack only needed a casual punch to defeat it. The second and third battle were no different. Then came the nine shadows, each replaced by a stronger one as soon as it died. The ceaseless murder began.

Jack was like a fist in water. Compared to last time, this battle was far easier; he destroyed these low-level opponents the moment they appeared.

The level of the shadows rose from two, to three, to four, then five fruits. Only now did it become slightly challenging. Jack activated the Life Drop, weaving between the many attacks and occasionally getting injured. Still, the shadows kept dying, and his energy expenditure was not too great.

Six-fruit shadows appeared. The difficulty kicked up. In the Globes limited spaceonly three hundred feet acrossdodging was easier said than done. Shockwaves were everywhere. Jack had to plow through them, expending more of his Dao to persevere. Thankfully, he could rely on his tempered and constantly-regenerating body, keeping the energy waste to a minimum.

The shadows died slower now. Reaching one and overpowering its defenses while dodging all the others was hardthe difficulty was rising exponentially.

Finally, a seven-fruit shadow appeared. It wasnt much weaker than Marcus William.

The shadows had strength similar to the average cultivator of their level, but as the fruits went up, the average cultivator who could reach that point grew more and more talented.

Don Cranxiao had been a three-fruit C-Grade whose actual fighting strength was somewhere between the five and six-fruits boundaries. Marcus was more talented than Cranxiao, but at the sixth fruit, his actual strength was only between the seventh and eighth.

If Marcus ever reached the nine-fruit boundary, he would be considered average for his level.

Jack kept fighting. It was an uphill struggle now. The shockwaves were so intense that his perception was hampered, making him unable to see the attacks until they were almost upon him. He was constantly teleporting, tearing through the distorted space to do so, and he was more defending than attacking. He managed to kill a few six-fruit shadows, but seven-fruit ones appeared in their place, raising the difficulty even further.

Jack was constantly getting injured. If not for his extreme regeneration and tempered body, he wouldnt have lasted three seconds against this lineup.

When he was facing four seven-fruit shadows and five six-fruit ones, he was finally cornered. A barrage of attacks broke through his defenses, piercing his skin and stopping an inch before his heart. The shadows came to a halt. They bowed and disappeared, while Jack remained in a heightened battle state, all twitchy and tense.

He took half a minute to calm himself, then exited the Globe. The bros welcomed him with cheers. Jack smiled and waved at them, still panting, then turned to the Envoy.

How did I do?